Councils ordered to replace lead piping

Local authorities in Cork, Kerry and Clare have been ordered to quickly replace almost 5,000 metres of lead piping after high levels of lead were found in their water.

Lead poisoning in adults can lead to nerve damage, increased blood pressure and reproductive problems. In children, it can damage brain development and the nervous system.

There is a renewed emphasis on replacing lead pipes with plastic pipes as the maximum safe level of lead allowed in drinking water is set to fall following the introduction of new EU regulations at the end of next year.